Member Stories – Richard

I had just turned 33, and there I was in a hospital bed, wondering why God didn’t let me complete my suicide attempt. My best friend had died recently by drowning; I was now divorced and work was becoming more demanding. I thought now was my turn to die. What had happened was my first episode of schizophrenia. Even with medication I continued bouncing in and out of mental institutions over the next five years. I tried to do what the doctors and counselors were telling me, and I even tried moving from a large city to a small town, but it happened again. This time there were demons everywhere, even in my house. My distorted thinking told me to burn it down. So I did. This time I was really scared. What was happening? What is Reality? And I was on my medication.

So after being in jail for 4 months, I had time to think. It was so easy. It was right in front of my face the whole time: alcohol. Drinking was there all my life and even though I didn’t consider myself a heavy drinker, I didn’t know how to stop or even if I could. But I knew I needed and wanted a better way to live. In jail, I was introduced to Alcoholics Anonymous and Schizophrenics Anonymous, and when I got out I continued to attend. By working the suggested steps and having a higher power of my understanding, I am now leading a happy and free life. I thank God for putting these programs and people in my life. I am looking forward to the future.

You Are Not Alone Family and Friends Support Group Every Tuesday – 7 PM Eastern Time The call in information: Toll-Free (855) 640-8271 International Number: (720) 362-6499 Toll Entry Code: 88286491#Print PDF

Spirit of Schizophrenics Anonymous Monthly Toll-free Conference Call A chance to discuss ideas and issues related to SA Meetings with other SA Leaders. First Wednesday of each month at 7:00PM Eastern The call in information:Read More

Schizophrenia CME Activities

Provided by
Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University
In collaboration with
Haymarket Medical Education
In partnership with
Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America (SARDAA)*

Provided by
University of Cincinnati
In collaboration with
Haymarket Medical Education
In partnership with
Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America (SARDAA)*

*Note: The opinions expressed in these educational activities are those of the faculty and do not necessarily represent the views of SARDAA.